I just bought an Echo 1, 7'6 in 3 wt. It's a 4 piece and is a little slower that the TFO in my opinion. It's light, good looking, has a good warranty and at only $140 or so I think it's a steal. I casted some Winstons and Sages at the store and think that it feels every bit as good for $100's less. To complete the high performing outfit for less than my next mortgage I fitted a Martin Mohawk River reel for a total weight of less than 7 ounces (at right around $200)